The King in the Window

by Adam Gopnik

Paperback, 2006

Status

Available

Call number

813

Genres

Fantasy

All Topics

Fiction

Collection

Your library

Publication

Miramax (2006), Paperback, 416 pages

Description

Eleven-year-old Oliver, an American boy residing in Paris, discovers, much to his astonishment, that phantoms live within the windowpanes and have selected Oliver to lead a war against the "soul-stealers" that inhabit mirrors.

User reviews

LibraryThing member extrajoker

first line: "If Oliver had simply smiled and joked with his parents while he was wearing the gold paper crown, or if he had just remembered to take it off after dinner, as he had always done before, the window wraiths might never have mistaken him for royalty."

I liked this but didn't love it. The

story is whimsical and entertaining, like Carroll's Wonderland books, which feature prominently in Gopnik's novel. Unfortunately, I think the world of The King in the Window would actually have been much stronger if it weren't so closely intertwined with Carroll's creation as to seem dependent upon it.

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LibraryThing member thebookcrazy

I think I'd describe this as mindboggling AND superb. I found Adam Gopnik's The King in the Window a fascinating read.

The book starts out normally enough- a young boy, Oliver, and his family, living in Paris. However, when he puts on a crown that came courtesy of a cake from a bakery, he sees a

reflection in the window that looks like him...but isn't him. And so begins a insane and thrilling and quirky journey.

I read this a while ago but from what I recall, Gopnik blends fantasy and adventure and technology and so much more, into a wonderful book. There are so many elements going on in this book, and I really loved how Gopnik invokes characters from classic stories (not going to spoiler-ify this though, so I'll keep mum) into his plot. There is a alternate universe(-ish) reminiscent of China Mieville's Un Lun Dun, and the concepts that Gopnik introduced made me really think. It's definitely a journey of self-discovery for Oliver- oh, and along the way, he saves the world!

Overall, an good, imaginative book.

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LibraryThing member DeathsMistress

This was alright. The story was kind of interesting. It kept me just intrigued enough to keep reading. Honestly, the second half of the book was better than the first, there was more action. Id say its good enough for a one time read.

LibraryThing member jlapac

This is a book about a war in Paris between the Windows and the Mirrors and an average boy who is selected as the king of the Window Wraiths. The story shows real character development in the boy, which is interesting and has some higher principles of ethics and physics were engaging. I read this

with my son. It was a very slow start, but we persevered and it paid off. There are some good messages in this book, but it is not preachy. The book shows that they boy can learn to think critically and solve problems. I also like the setting and the freedom that the parents give their son.

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LibraryThing member jrbeach

I just couldn't force myself to finish it. I did read at least a third, to give it a fair chance, but it was just too slow for this adult. I can't imagine a young person would try as long.

LibraryThing member Sopoforic

Really enjoyed the unique fantasy element. Short summary: Oliver accidentally becomes the King in the Window, King of the window wraiths, and is expected to lead the final battle against the Mirror Master, also called The One with None.

LibraryThing member wunder

The wonderful part about this book is the feel of Paris and the presence of the past in the present. Racine, Molière, and Richelieu (still adjusting his mayonnaise) are here, and Versailles is really a portal to a different world. The plot is fine, but what I remember is Paris, the dinner with

Mrs. Pearson, the clochards, and all the windows.

I think the first half of the book was more satisfying and that it loses itself a bit when the American startup guy enters the story. Maybe New York authors just can’t write convincing Silicon Valley stereotypes. But that is a nit on a fun story with a nice bit of depth. My son didn’t see anything wrong with it. For me, catching myself reflected in the café window isn’t quite the same anymore.

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